Lesson 2 Engineer It: Defining Engineering Problems

Which of the following best describes the design of a trebuchet?

• It is based on the sling

• It uses a wheel and axle

• It is powered by steam

• It is shaped like a pyramid

If you were asked to build a working model of a trebuchet using craft sticks, rubber bands, glue, and string, what is an important question you should ask before starting the project?

• What materials and tools will I need?

• What is the weather like outside?

• How many people are in my class?

• What is the history of medieval Europe?

Which of the following is a question you might need to ask when planning and designing your treehouse?

• What will the treehouse be used for?

• What is the tallest building in the city?

• How many cars are in the parking lot?

• What is the weather like today?

Based on the photo and the text on page 29, what is a practical need that could be addressed by engineering in this situation?

• Finding a new recipe for cooking

• Creating a safer way to cook food indoors without harmful smoke exposure

• Building a larger kitchen

• Painting the walls to look cleaner

Which of the following best describes a precisely stated problem for developing an "eco-friendly" phone?

• Develop a phone that is affordable.

• Develop a phone that contains at least 25% recycled materials.

• Develop a phone that has a camera.

• Develop a phone that is waterproof.

Which of these requirements are things you would need to consider when designing an umbrella that will keep a person dry in rain showers? (Choose all that apply.)

• fabric that is water repellent or waterproof

• colorful fabric print

• fabric that you cannot see through

• lightweight materials

How did engineers in the past help define the problem of street lighting?

• By talking with people about the need for good lighting and observing current technology.

• By guessing what people wanted.

• By only using the oldest technology available.

• By ignoring the needs of the community.

Why is it important to precisely define the criteria and constraints of a problem when designing a solution?

• It makes the design process faster

• It increases the likelihood of finding a successful solution

• It allows for more creativity

• It reduces the cost of materials

If a proposed design solution does not meet a constraint, what is the result?

• The solution is improved

• The solution is acceptable

• The solution is unusable or unacceptable

• The solution is more creative

When redefining a problem in engineering, what should you do before developing a solution?

• Define new criteria and constraints.

• Start building a prototype immediately.

• Ask for help from another team.

• Ignore previous solutions.